We have seen what happens when we are poor in spirit and mourn. We receive the kingdom of heaven and are comforted.
Jesus adds here that this makes us meek, but that the result is so wonderful we cannot even imagine it:
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Mt 5:5).
Think first in the present – do you think of the meek and lowly inheriting anything, let alone the entire earth? In this world, it is the bold, brash, and increasingly profane who inherit vast fortunes.
Jesus is saying that in the future, the poor in spirit, those who mourn, and the meek shall literally inherit the entire earth! In saying this, he is simply affirming a bedrock principle going all the way back to the early psalms:
“But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace” (Psalm 37:11).
Now let me ask you a question: If Jesus is opening his ministry by setting down what the true believer looks like in the soul, if he is urging us to live the way od honors, isn’t this a dead wringer for living the perfect unity Jesus prayed for us at the very end of his ministry (John 17:20-26)?
Yes!
As I head out today on another business trip, I pray that I will focus over and over on the following exhortations and completely ignore the distractions, frustrations, and fatigue that usually accompany me.
And I pray the same for you. May we be in perfect unity as we learn and grow.
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people…For we ourselves were once foolish…But when the goodness and loving of God our Savior appeared, he saved us … according to his own mercy…” (Titus 3:1-5).
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls…” (Mt 11:29).
“…but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious” (1 Peter 3:4).
Perfect unity begins with practicing together what God considers very precious. And what he considers very precious is contained in the progression of each of the beatitudes.
At the beginning of his preaching ministry, Jesus is telling us what he is going to tell us throughout his entire ministry.
Take this slowly, like sipping hot tea at the perfect temperature that seems to reach deep to your soul with a sigh and a smile – that is so good!
We have four more beatitudes.
And it just keeps on getting better!